History

On June 24, 1921, the 52nd General Assembly of the State
of Illinois authorized the Department of Public Works and Buildings
to hire a "sufficient number of State Highway Patrol Officers to enforce
the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Laws." The Illinois State Police
was officially created in 1922 and today, comprised of sworn personnel
and civilians totaling more than 3,000, is one of the most modern
and efficient police organizations in the country.

Over the years, the Illinois State Police has continually
changed in size and organizational structure to provide an increased
number of services in the most efficient manner to the people of Illinois.
These services are implemented by the Office of the Director through
the Divisions of Operations, Forensic Services, Internal Investigation
and Administration.

Since its inception, the Illinois State Police has fostered and
served with a reputation for integrity, service and pride. Illinois
State Police functions include protecting life and property, enforcing
both criminal laws and motor vehicle safety laws, responding to emergencies
and disasters and providing a myriad of diverse specialized services
to both the public and the criminal justice community.

The shoulder patch worn by the Illinois State Police is symbolic of
the integrity, service and pride of the organization. We trust it will be
displayed with dignity and honor in remembrance of the dedication of those
officers who have served the citizens of Illinois.

Additionally, each division within the Illinois State
Police provides specific services:

The Division of Operations' services entail: aircraft support for
enforcement and public assistance; vehicle investigations; K-9 support
for tracking and drug detection; presentations to
the public on traffic safety and crime prevention;
criminal investigations to detect and suppress the
traffic of illicit drugs; develop strategic and
tactical criminal intelligence data; investigate
serious offenses; apprehend fugitives; and the
communications network. Operations also provides
support to many county, municipal and federal law
enforcement agencies.

The efforts of both state and municipal police officers
are supplemented by the Division of Forensic Services, providing crime
scene services, polygraph services, background checks requisite to
the purchase of firearms and strategically located crime laboratories.

The Division of Internal Investigation specializes in investigating
alleged misconduct, corruption, conflict of interest and malfeasance within any
agency under the jurisdiction of the governor.

The Division of Administration is responsible
for administrative support required by all department
entities. This division centralizes the department's
data processing, fiscal,
logistical, and personnel.